Weighing scale



Nov. 16, y1943. H w, HEM `2,334,326

WEIGHING SCALE Filed June 4, 1940 y 4 Sheets-Sheet l Afa/Var W #am ATTOR N EYS Nw. 1s, 1343. H. w, HEM 2,334,323

A WEIGHING SCALE 4 Shee'ts-Shee't 5` Filed June 4, 1940 INVENTOR 'Q MMM/L Nv. 16, 1943. H. w. HEM 2,334,326

WEIGHING SCALE Filed June 4, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTQR ATTORNEYS Patented Nov. 16, 1943 Y*WEIGHING SCALE v y Halvor W. Hem, Toledo, Ohio, assignor to Toledo Scale' Company, Toled lNew Jersey o, Ohio, a corporation of u Application June 4, 1940, serial 10.338.768

9 Claims.

This invention relates generally to weighing scales, and more particularly to weighing scales such as `are used in retailshops and is an improvement which is applicable especially to scales of the type having a cylindrical indicating chart.

One of the principal objectsof the invention is the provision of improved means whereby a load counterbalancing spring, is only extended a relatively short distance forthe complete chart movement. .1

Another object of the invention is the provision of improved means whereby a relatively small movement of the load supporting lever is translated'by a second lever into a relatively large movement of 'an indicating chart actuating means. t

Another object is the provision of a pair of load counterbalancing springs and' improved means for adjustably suspending them.

StillV another object is theprovision of an improved equalizing .connection between aload supporting lever and a pair of -load counterbalancing springs; and,`

A still further object is the provision of -an improved casing structure.' t

These, and other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description in which reference .is lhad tothe accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention and in which similar reference numerals referto similar `parts throughout the several views.

In the drawings: f v Fig. I is` aside-elevationalView' of aweighin'g scale embodying thein'vention, the casing being sectioned and portions of` Vthe load receiving platter and of other members being broken away. Fig. II is a fragmentary front elevational view of the indicating casing. V u

Fig. III is a sectional plan view sectioned substantially along the-line III---IIIoil Fig. I and having portions of 4the base casingl broken away for clarity.

' Fig. IV is an enlarged fragmentary sectional f sectionebeing taken substantiallyy along the line VI-VI of Fig. IIIi l l Fig. VIIfis a side elevational view through a portion of the load counter-balancing means, substantially as seen from along thevline VII-VII ofFig. V. n Y

Fig. VIII is anenlarged rfragmentary front elevational view as seen from along the line VIII- VIII of Fig. VII.

Fig. IX is an enlarged elevational View of one of the equalizer suspension stirrups as seen from along the line IX-IX of Fig. VIII; andl n Fig. X isa similar View ofvther `upper suspensionfstirrupas seen from along the line X-X of Fig. VIII. y A,

Referring to the drawings indetail:

vThisinvention comprises in general a base II`vr havingva pair of upstanding bosses I2 adjacent one end thereof, in which are mounted bearings I3 for thereception of fulcrumfpivots I4 extending laterally from aload supporting lever I5. Fixed in the lever, in spaced relation to the fulcrum pivots III, are load pivots I6 which supedge ofthe wall ofthe base II. The rim 23denes a circular opening` ink the base casing through which theupwardly extending posts 2I project and in vwhich is located a check link assembly A25. This check link assembly, by means 'of suitable bearings 26, engages a pair of opposed pivots: 21 and 28 inthe knownmanner. 'I'he pivots 28, which are machined on Vadat platelike member, are secured toa post 29 which is adjustably fixed lna boss 30 extending upwardly from the `platter spider I9. 'I'he pivots 21 are xed to the upper end of`a post 3l adjustably threaded in a check link adjusting plate 32 which Ain tur-nais adjustably mounted, by means of a plurality of screws 33, on the upper face of a 'bracket 34 secured to the base II.

4.The function of the check link assembly 25 is shaped to form a rectangular inverted channel 40 having laterally extending ears 4| through which the screws 38 pass. Within the channel 40 is slidingly mounted a pivot block 42 in which a downwardly directed cone pivot 43 is located.

A llister head screw 44 (Fig. VII), threaded into the end of the block 42, has a circular groove machined in its head and this groove is engaged by Walls formed l'by a slot 45 cut in the 'end of the lever nose thus permitting the screw 44 to be rotated and by this rotation move the block 42 to adjust the position of the pivot. A screw 46, extending through a longitudinally extendf ing slot in this lever nose and threadedin the block 42, is adapted to lock this block in adjusted position. Forwardly extending portions of the downwardly extending side walls of the channel member 40 are provided with apertures 'through each of which is threaded a small screw i with adjustame hooks a which engage apertures in calibrator connections 54 clamped Ato the last coil of load counterbalancing springs 55, the 'upper ends of which are provided with V-shaped suspension arms B6 engaging stirrups 51 suspended from upwardly directed cone pivots 5 9 in -:V

a rectangular Spring suspension bar i9. This spring suspension bar projects'thrugh suitable apertures in the sides of a bracket 60 spotwelded or otherwise fastened to a channelshaped tie plate 6|, the ends of which, by means of ears 62, rest upon and are bolted to chart casing spiders 63 surmountin'g casing frames 64 and 64 which are erected on one end of the base Il in spaced relation to eachother (Figures I and V).

A pin 55, which extends through 'apertures in the sides of the bracket 60, 'serves as a f'ulcrum for a stamped and formed substantially U- shaped memberl 66. Since the vpin 65' in the bracket 00 is offset from the vertical axis of the aperture in which the spring suspension bar is seated, rounded ends 61 ofthe Ushaped member 06 whichfenter suitably milled grooves 08 lin this `suspension bar are adapted to raise and lower this bar when a screw `69 is turned. The screw 69 is threaded through a trunnion-like member extending through a suitably formedportion of the bracket 60, and is provided with a tenori which is loosely riveted in a Somewhat similar trunnion-like member 1| rockably seated in a suitably formed portion of the member 66.

To prevent the bar 59 from accidentally-disengaging from its seat on the rounded ends 61 Vof the bracket 66 a formed cantilever spring 12 is provided whose free end .presses against the lbar 59 and whose other lend vis bolted to the underside of the tie plate 6|.

To prevent the `stirrups 52 and 51, as well as the springs 55 which "engage these stirrup's, from twisting about their longitudinal axis and thus interfering with the free working of the scale, a thin stiff wire member `'|4 is provided which passes through drilled holes 13 in the stirrups 52y to limit the extent of "any possible rotation.

, Since the magnitude of errors, due to certain spring characteristics, increase when a spring has a comparatively long extension increment for each increment of weight and conversely diminish when the spring has a comparatively short extension for the same increment, the present invention contemplates the use of a spring having a very short extension for the full load and means to multiply this short movement to actuate the indicating means. To accomplish this, the casing frame 64 (Figures III and V) is provided with ball bearings 15, seated in suitably positioned apertures. These ball bearings form fulcrums for the tenoned ends of a shaft 16 extending across the bifurcated end of an indicating means -actuating lever 11. This lever is coupled to the lever nose by means of a single twisted link 18 (Figures VII and VIII), the lower end 'of which, by means of a suitable aperture, engages the previously mentioned pin 43, the upperend of which engages a similar pin 19 extending between two axially drilled holes in the ends of screwsv l0 threaded through the spaced walls 'of a'bifurcated portion of the lever 11.

The free end of the lever 11 terminates in a TOIk, formed by arms 82 (Figures III and I), and

upon pins 3|, which project laterally inwards from each of the 'arms 82, is pivotally mounted a ginibal -rinfg 83. A pin 94, which extends across the gimb'ai ring `83 'at right angles to the pins 3|, pivotally supports a clamp 80 in which the lower end of a rod 81 is adjustably h'eld. This rod carries on its 'upper end a rack 99 whose 'teeth mesh with the teeth of a pinion 89 (Figures I and V). This pinion is keyed to a shaft having a hardened and ground tenon at each end with which it is mounted in antifriction ball bearings 9| located in brackets 92 which are fastened, by means of screws 93, to the chart casing spiders whichsurmount the casing frames 64 and 04'. Also mounted on the shaft -90 and keyed thereto are a plurality of chart *spiders 94 which are enveloped by a cylindrical chart 95 constructed from thin aluminum. This chart 95 bears a series 90 of weight indicia and 7 -a .plurality vof series 91 'of computed values and serves the usual purpose.

`Cooperating with the chart 95 is a series 98 of unit prices printed upon a price indicator 99 secured to a tie plate |00 whosey ends are fixed by means of screws |0| to the casing spiders 63. A ysimilar, although somewhat narrower, tie plate |02 is fastened by means of screws |03 to these casing spiders on the rear of the scale.

To enable the operator to read the proper weight and value indicia an indicating line |04 is stretched in front of the chart -immediately adjacent the'surface of the chart 95. A similar line |05 is stretched across the rear of the scale so that the customermay-observe the proper weight indicium.

The chart is housed in a casing comprising an upper casing vplate `|00 which is curved to ht the .periphery of the casing spiders 63 and lower front and rear casing plates |0`| and |08. The lower `edgesof the latter rest freely upon flanges of front housing plate |09 and rear housing plate |10. Secured tothe appropriate edges of the plates |06 and |01 on the front of the casing is an indicator Iframe and asimilar frame H2 is secured to the `:appropriate edges of the plate |06 and the plate |08 on the rear of the casing. In a lfenestration -inthe indicator frai'ne is mounted a cylindrical magnifying lens I I3 which serves the usual purpose in exposing the indicia bearing surface. Secured to the indicator frame I|2 on the rear of thehousing is a formed plate I I4 having an opening'fI I5 which overlies a series I IB of weight indicia. This series extends in the direction opposite to the series 95 so that they may be read by the customer. Suitable inscriptions may be printed or otherwise marked on the plate I|4. .These are exposed lto view to the customer through an opening inthe rear `indicator frame I|2 which, for the purpose of preventing the entrance of dust and moisture, is covered by apane of transparent glass I|'|.' l. f It will be observed that the plates` |06, l |01 and |an'dvv the frames and IIZ, as well as the front'and back housing plates |09 `and I I0 respectively', are not screwed or otherwise vfastenedfto the casingspiders "63 nor to the `casing frames I4 and 64. The reason for this is the fact that the accuracy of Weighing'scales depends in a Alarge measure upon the accurate-alignment and invariability of its component parts. According to the' present invention these casing parts are held in position by marginal .flanges I I8Lof the'end casingplates I I9 and |20 and these end casing plates are secured tol the casing spiders 63 and the casing frames 64 and 64', by means of screws |2I, in such a manner that no strains are set up which have a tendency to influence! the relative position of the ball `bearings rIll in which the chart is fulcrumed. Any shifting.. of these bearingsy after they have been once properly aligned, such as is commonly the fact'when the casing members are screwed to the end frames, results in indicating errors.` 1,

The indicating frames III and `||2 are each provided with an opening |22 which is covered by formed plates |23 to which brackets |24 are suitably fastened. These brackets carry electric light sockets |25 for the receptionr of electric ylamps |26. bymeans of whichthe indicating chart is brilliantly. illuminated. AY switch [|48 v(Fig. yV)v securedto a, bracket |48 dependingly securedto the tie plate 6| isadapted to beactuated by-a pin |49 madefrom dielectric .material and studded inntheupper rend of an upwardly extending arm |50fof: the lever I'I tofcause a contact to energize the lamps whenever the scale `is placed in operavtion ora manipulative.switchcan'be inserted in the circuit. to. selectively energize the lamps. Since the lamp; sockets are securedto the covers |23 these lamps may be replaced very conveniently byremoving the covers |23 Without disassembling `anyother casing parts.:`

Since. in scales of this typeithe load receiving platter is generally of relatively. large size and when .a .heavy loadV isplaced carelessly near Ythe kaxis of the'spider I9.

ing |23 andv then is lockedbymeans of a lock nut |36.r The overhanging portion of the pivot retainer plate has some Aresiliency and thus any upward movement of the bearing |29, due to a large -load carelessly placed on the edge of the platter, is resiliently resisted. rMeans however are also provided to increase andregulate the amount of resilientv pressure withwhich to resist such a movement. For this purpose arscrew |35, which passes freely through the other hole in the pivot retainer plate |3| and is threaded into a laterally projecting portion of the boss |30, also passes through .a helical compression spring v|3I positionedi between a washer .|38 underneath its head and theplate I3| so that by turning the screw more .or less pressure may be exerted on the e spring I3'|. It will be seen that any tendency of the fulcrum pivot I4 to disengagefrom its bearing I3 is `thus effectively prevented without causing inaccurate indications.

l Toprevent the load supporting spider from disengaging from its pivots I6 flanges |39 (Fig. VI)` of the lever I5, located so as to be bisected by a plane passing vertically through these load pivots I6, are threaded ,and screws |40 having conicalV hardened and ground points |4I pass vertically therethrough. These screws are adjusted so that the points I4|v lie in the turning A shouldered stud |42, locked in the spider `ISI by lock nuts |43 and positionedadjacent each screw and in the same verticalplane, has locked against its shoulder a plate |44V Whichis adapted to engage the points I4I.

- To dampen the vibrations of the scale so that the chart will come to rest after only one or two oscillations a laterally extending arm |5I is fixed inthe arm of the lever 11. This arm is pivotally. connected as at |52 to the upper end of a plunger rod |53 of a dashpot |54 which performs its usualfunction.

The operation of the scale is as follows: When a loadis placed on the platform 35, due to the action of gravity, the lever I5 rocks aboutits r fulcrum I4 and through the nose pivot 43 the torque` is ltransmittedthrough the equalizer 50, the stirrups 52 to the counterbalancing springs 55. These stretch in theusual manner and by so doing counterbalance the load. As hereinbeedge ofthe platter theremay be atendency to tip the lever out of its bearings, therefore means are .provided to prevent such displacementas well as `a. tipping of the load;supporting spider pivots from theirbearings. For thispurpose the lever I5 is provided in the turning axis of its Afulcrum pivots, with inwardly extending horizontalfianges |21 which have vertically drilled holes into which atenon |28 :of a flat topbearing. |29 is threaded. This bearing is adjusted so that its flat surface is .exactly in the horizontal planeof the edges of the pivots I4. 1 1

Forl cooperation with these bearings |29 the base I has upwardly directed bosses|30towhich apivot retainer plate |3I is fastened by means of screws I 32. Each overhanging. end `of this rplate is provided with two holes, throu'gh'the` outerone is` threaded .a screw |33 having aiharden'ed and ground conical point |34 which, is adjusted so that the Point lightly presses against the vbearfore. mentioned. thepresent invention has for an objecta combination of means for reducing the magnitude of errors usually` encountered in weighingsprings. It is well known that stability andaccuracy are enhanced and hysteresis diminished by having a chart pinion of considerable diameter.. In the usualspring scale design, since 'the rack is usually attachedA to that member -which .also transmits the pull to the springs, the

springs are extended the .same amount .that thel rack is reciprocated, this is a comparativelylong distance, and therefore the spring errors due to this extension are considerable. Owing to the embodiment of the presentinvention however the extensionof. the spring is only a fraction of the rack travel.

`As the lever .I 5 rocks about its ulcrum the link 18, which pivotally engages the lever nose through .the pin 48, also .pivotally engages the lever 11 through the pin I9 and since this lever is of the second order it may be designed so as to multiply the movement of the lever nose in any desired, reasonable ratio, thus permitting the use of a chart pinionA of relatively large diameter with a. relatively short spring extension.

.. The hereinbefore described means for connect-.-

ing the nose of the lever i5 to the lever 11 pre sents a ready a'djustingmeans. In the construction of scales it is an elementary rule that all connections between the Vdifferent movable scale parts must remain in a position which is as .nearly vertical as possible. rI'his condition in the great majority of 'scale constructions is not realized to the optimum extent since scale levers and other movable scale parts usually have arcuate movement about a fulcrum. In the present invention by loosening one of the screws 41 in the lever nose and tightening vthe other the 'exposed portion of the pin 48 which engages the link 18 .may be shifted from side to side. By repeating the operation with the screws 88 in the lever 11 the upper end of the link 18 may be .aligned so that when the .levers .rock about their ulcrums .which iare at right angles to each other the link 18 vmay be positioned so .that it remains in its optimum `condition during the arcuate movement ofthe levers.

The position of the upper `ends of the springs is fvery readily adjusted by turning the screw 69 which -is :accessible through an opening 145 in the .front housing plate 1.09 'which is covered by a `:mail `flap |46 .pivoted .as at |41. When the screw 80 isturned .by the insertion of a screw driver into 'its slot, the cooperation of its threads and the threads in the trunnion member rocks the member '66. about yits fulcrum on the pin 85 and the rounded ends ofv thiszmember., which `form :a cam since it is4 eccentrically iulcrumed, `raise Vtire suspension bar '58. The vlink 18 being 'o' .the .push and pull type, a. change in the position of the spring suspension changes .the position of the. lever 11 and the rack .pivoted thereon. The chart vmay thus. be readily brought into a position in which the initial graduation in the series '96 is .in direct registration with lthe lining wire 104. Since this adjustment changes the position of the spring bodily no change is made in its counterbalancing capacity. suitable means may fbe employed yfor vlocking .the parts after making the hereinbefore described adjustments;V f

Although the Vinvention is i applicable toiscale .employing springs made lfrom any material hav- `ing the necessary resilient properties it is contemplated to employ springs made from material which isv substantially -`unaiected `by `changes Vin temperature `sind which are -only slightly subject 'to hysteresis. It must be understood .that the4 invention herein-shown and described issusoeptible to variation, modi'iication and change within vthe spirit vand 'scope of the subjoined claims.

.Having described my invention, I claim;

1. In a *device Vof the :class described, in combination, 'a base, a 'casing `erected upon the rear vof 4said base :and 'coextensive therewith, .said casing .including `afpa'ir fof spaced frames and .atie vplate secured to and .extending between .said spaced frames, 1a rbracket vhaving spaced walls secured to .said tie plate fand having rectangular apertures in vtwo of -its spaced walls, :a substanvrtiallyrectangular bar mounted within and having portions extending through said .rectangular apertures, conically .pointed r:pivots rin .said extending ;portions, a cam-like member pivoted on said Vbracket and Aengaging vsaid rectangular bar, 7load supporting vmeans mounted for .oscillative. movement on said base, an equalizer pivotally engaging said loadssupporting means and na pair of `conicalpivots `in said'equalizer, a pair offhelical extensible springs, .a .stirrup plvotally lengaging the upper end `v of each l:of 'said springs jor suspendingly'mounting.saidsprings upon said 'coniassess@ cal pivots'in said rectangular bar, a stirrup pivotally engaging the lower end of each of said springs and engaging said conical pivots in .said equalizer and a screw threaded in said bracket and engaging saidcam-like member for raising and `lowering said rectangular bar in said rectangular apertures `-oi said bracket whereby said .helical'extensiblesprings and that portion of the load supporting means are bodily raised without exerting influence on the load counterbalancing capacity of said springs.

2. In a device according to claim 1, a. cantilever spring having ornev of lts ends rigidly secured to said tie `plate and the other end '.ensagingsaid rectangular bar for `constantly urging said rectangular vbar towardsthe bottom of said rectangular apertures.

3. In a weighing scale, in combination, a base. a irame mounted upon said base, a load supporting lever mounted upon said base. a pair of load counterbalancing springs, means for suspendlngly supporting said springs, an operative connection between said load supporting lever and said springs, said means vfor suspendingly supporting said springs comprising .an `apertured bracket secured to said-frame, aber extending through such apertures in said bracket, and having spaced grooves therein, a substantially U-shaped bracket eccent-rically pivoted on said first .mentioned ybracket and having rounded ends for `entrance into such grooves in said bar, a trunnionmember yin each of said brackets and `a. screw threaded through one of said trunnions and revolubly retained in the other of said trunnions for raising `or lowering said bar.

4. In a device of the class described, in combination, a fra-me, Yload supporting means, load counterbalancing mechanism and load .indicating means supported upon said .frame in rcooperative relation to each othergsaid load counterbalancing mechanism including a .pair of spaced helical weighing springs, 4an upwardly directed conical pivot for each of said helical weighing springs, stir-rups engaging Asaid upwardly directed conical vpivots and having supporting engagement with the upper :ends of .said weighing springs, said load lsupporting means .having a conical pivot, an equalizing lmember having .a bearing yengaging .said conical ,pivot in said .load supporting means,

stirrupsfhavi-ng drilled holes suspended from lthe lower ends lof said weighing springs, said :equalizing member having spaced conical-pivots for engaging said stirrups, and means for preventing substantial rotation `of saidy weighing springs about their points fof rotationon said corneal pivots, said .means far preventing .such substantial rotation lof said weighing `springs comprising a thin relatively stiff metallic .member extending through .such Vdrilled :holes in said stirrups suspended .from the lower ends `of ,said weighing springs.

`5. In a device of the .class described, in -combination, `a frame, load vsupporting means, load 'counterbalancing mechanism and load .indicating means `supported upon said frame, .said ,load counterbalancing mechanism including a :pair 'of spaced helical weighing springs, an iupwarmy directed Iconical pivot for each `ofi-said helical weighing springs, st'irrups engaging :said upwardly directed conical. pivots land -pivotally yengaging the .upper ends oi;said weighingsprings, said load supporting. means .having a conical pivot, an

veoua'lizing member `engaging said conical pivot in said load supporting means andhaving spaced conicalpivots .for engaging stirrups -pivotally ysus pended from the lower ends of said weighing l springs and means for preventing substantial rotation of said weighing springs about their points of suspension on said conical pivots.

6. In a weighing scale, in combination, a frame,`

a` load supporting lever fulcrumed upon said frame, a load counterbalancing spring suspended fromsaid frame, rotatable indicating means, a motion multiplying lever fulcrumed on` said frame, an operative connection between said load supporting lever and said load counterbalancing spring, an operative connection between said load supporting lever and said motion multiplying lever, means including a rack and pinion between said motion multiplying lever and said indicating means, said operative connection between said load supporting lever and said motion multiplying lever comprising a push and pull link having its lower end pivotally connected to said load supporting lever and its upper end pivotally engaging said motion multiplying lever and adjusting means for independently shiftingthe point of pivotal engagement or each end of said push and pull link transversely to the longitudinal axis of that lever which the end pivotally engages, one of said adjusting means comprising two opposed longitudinally spaced adjustable screws and a hardened pivot entering longitudinal extending apertures in said spaced screws and extending therebetween.

7. In a Weighing scale, in combination, a frame,

a load supporting lever fulcrumed upon said ing lever comprising a push and pull link having its lower endpivotally connected to said load supporting lever and its upper end pivotally engaging said motion multiplying lever and means for independently shifting the point of pivotal engagement of each end of said push and pull link transversely to the longitudinal axis oi' that lever which the end pivotally engages.

.8. In a weighing scale, in combination, a base, a single commodity receiver supporting lever of the second order fulcrumed at one end upon said base, load counterbalancing springs suspended from the base and connected to the nose end of said load supporting lever, a motion multiplying lever extending transversely to said commodity receiver supporting lever and also connected to thenose end of said commodity receiver supporting'lever, a rotatable cylindrical computing chart overlying said motion multiplying lever and ex' tending longitudinallyv thereof, a pinion fixed to said rotatable cylindrical chart, and a rack pivotally connected tothe nose end of said motion f multiplying lever and meshing with said pinion. 9. In a weighing scale, in combination, a base,

, a commodity receiver supporting lever fulcrumed nected to the nose end of said commodity receiver supporting lever, a rotatable cylindrical weight indicating chart overlying said motion transmitting lever and extending longitudinally thereof, a pinion fixed to said rotatable cylindrical chart, a universal mounting pivotally connected to the nose end of said motion transmitting lever and meshing with said pinion.

HALVOR W. HEM. 

